Nanohybrids of atomically precise metal nanoclusters

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) with molecule-like structures are emerging nanomaterials with fascinating chemical and physical properties. Photoluminescence (PL), catalysis, sensing, etc., are some of the most intriguing and promising properties of NCs, making the metal NCs potentially beneficial in different applications. However, long-term instability under ambient conditions is often considered the primary barrier to translational research in the relevant application fields. Creating nanohybrids between such atomically precise NCs and other stable nanomaterials (0, 1, 2, or 3D) can help expand their applicability. Many such recently reported nanohybrids have gained promising attention as a new class of materials in the application field, exhibiting better stability and exciting properties of interest. This perspective highlights such nanohybrids and briefly explains their exciting properties. These hybrids are categorized based on the interactions between the NCs and other materials, such as metal-ligand covalent interactions, hydrogen-bonding, host-guest, hydrophobic, and electrostatic interactions during the formation of nanohybrids. This perspective will also capture some of the new possibilities with such nanohybrids. Atomically precise metal nanoclusters display exciting optical and catalytic properties, but their long-term instability under ambient conditions hinders their practical application. Here, the authors review recent progress in creating nanohybrids from atomically precise nanoclusters and other more stable nanomaterials, forming hybrids with useful properties and improved stabilities.